The Hydraulic Bench features two centrifugal pumps that can be used separately or configured in series and parallel arrangements. This flexible setup serves as a comprehensive platform for conducting fluid mechanics experiments and studying centrifugal pump operations. The hydraulic bench operates within a closed water circuit, consisting of a storage tank with a powerful centrifugal pump and an elevated measuring tank for collecting water.
The stepped measuring tank accommodates both large and small volumetric flow rates, while very small flow rates can be measured using a measuring beaker and a stopwatch. The bench is designed for easy and secure placement of various experimental units on its top surface, which includes a small flume for weir experiments.
With the option to arrange the pumps in series or parallel, students can explore the operational characteristics of centrifugal pumps in different configurations. These pumps are known for their quiet operation, compact design, and ability to provide smooth, nonpulsating flow, making them widely used in various industrial applications.
The apparatus allows for an in-depth study of the relationship between pressure head and flow rate, demonstrating that
pumps in series can double the pressure head while maintaining a constant flow rate, whereas pumps in parallel can double the flow rate while keeping the pressure head the same as a single pump. Additionally, this system enables the examination of overall pump efficiency, highlighting the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy and then into fluid energy. Pump efficiency is defined by both mechanical (shaft) efficiency and thermodynamic efficiency, offering students a thorough understanding of pump operations and fluid mechanics concepts.
Experiments
- To demonstrate the basic operation and characteristic of centrifugal pumps.
- To differentiate the performance curve of a single pump and of two identical pumps that run-in series or in parallel.
- Pump characteristic curves for centrifugal pumps.
- Determination of the capacity of pumps.
- Single pump operation.
- Determination of pump efficiency.
- Determination of total head, pump output, overall efficiency of centrifugal pump in series or in parallel.
- Two plot curves between head vs. discharge, pump efficiency vs. discharge, pump output vs. discharge
Specification
- Basic unit for supplying experimental units in fluid mechanics
- Closed water circuit with storage tank, two centrifugal pumps and a measuring tank
- Measuring tank divided in two for volumetric flowrate measurements, small and large
- Measuring beaker with scale for very small volumetric flowrates
- Measurement of volumetric flow rates by using a stopwatch
- Work surface with integrated flume for experiments with weirs
- The process piping is made of industrial PVC pipes.
- Valves used are nonferrous to minimize rust and corrosion.
- Rotameter to measure the discharge flow from pumps prior to enter testing section.
- Valves and interconnecting pipe work all mounted on a rust free, painted steel structure.
- Equipped with measurement gauge/sensor for head, suction pressure, and flowrate.
- Three manometers attached at suction, and discharge of both pumps.
